Welcome! We are so happy you are joining the SOMA Tribe! You can start experiencing SOMA Breath by joining our free weekly SOMA Breath Masterclass. In this masterclass you will get to experience the SOMA Awakening Breathwork Meditation and will learn about the numerous benefits of our breathing techniques. You can also sign up to our free Foundations of SOMA Breath course, which will teach you simple breathing exercises that can be used daily to relieve stress, gain more focus and improve your wellbeing.

We get this question a lot, so Niraj wrote a really detailed blog post explaining the difference between SOMA Breath and other popular breathwork modalities and Pranayama.

SOMA Breath is a complete holistic system of Pranayama and breathing techniques, which can be arranged into different sequences depending on the type of workshop you are attending. SOMA Breath can also be tailored to your specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and well-being, so we take into account the fact that everyone is different and requires different breathing techniques depending on their needs. SOMA Breath’s overall mission is to empower people with knowledge, tools, and techniques to make positive and lasting change in their lives.

Niraj is a fully qualified pharmacist with a Master’s degree and high-level education in physiology, anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. He has almost one decade of experience working closely with patients in a clinical medical environment. Niraj has had first-hand experience of a transformative healing journey himself. Niraj has also trained extensively in Yoga and Ayurveda, with mentors such as Wim Hof, and Swami Ambikananda. He intricately combines his knowledge of ancient healing modalities with a modern and non-dogmatic scientific understanding of why and how they work.

Wear comfortable clothes. Ensure you are well-hydrated. All breathwork techniques should be done on an empty stomach, either first thing in the morning before breakfast, or at least 2 hours after a meal.  

Pulse Oximeter This device measures oxygen saturation of your blood (SpO₂) and your heart rate. Normally a pulse oximeter is used by people who have difficulties breathing so that they can monitor their oxygen levels. Chronic hypoxia can cause serious health issues. However, it can also be used to measure intermittent hypoxia. A pulse oximeter measures your heart rate so that you can monitor how your resting heart rate drops as you become fitter and healthier over time.

Before you start your practise, place the pulse oximeter on your finger, as per your device instructions. Your device instructions will tell you clearly what each reading on your screen means. You can use your pulse oximeter to watch your pulse increase and decrease with your inhale and exhale. Your pulse oximeter gives you an estimated measure of your blood SpO₂ levels. At the beginning of the session, the SpO₂ reading should be around 95% or higher.

You can sit up or lie down, however you prefer. In more advanced or extended SOMA Awakening ceremonies we many advise lying down, but the choice is ultimately yours!  

Your breathing should be smooth, consistent, cyclical, and rhythmic. Keep as relaxed as possible. You do not need to completely fill and empty your lungs with each breath: just focus on maintaining a consistent breath that feels good for you.  

These refer to the inhale:exhale ratio of two breathing patterns. 2:4 breathing is where you inhale for 2 beats and exhale for 4. 2:4 breathing is great for calming the nervous system, improving digestion, and relaxing deeply. 4:4 breathing is where you inhale for 4 beats and exhale for 4. 4:4 breathing triggers self healing and it helps you to feel simultaneously relaxed and energised. Both of these techniques help you to feel really good when you practice them for at least 5 minutes at a time.

The Mula Bandha can be challenging for beginners – especially while holding your breath as well! If you have not already done so, join our free Foundations of SOMA Breath course where the techniques are broken down to be easily understandable and easy to practise. You can also practise isolating these muscles throughout your day – you don’t have to do it with breathwork too. As your strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, it will get much easier, we promise!

No. The Latin root of the word Spiritual is To breathe Inspire means To breathe in Conspire means To breathe together Spirit is the spiritual life force that comes from breath. SOMA Breath respects the powerful ancient rituals that formed the modern religion we know today. These rituals enabled our ancestors to connect to their higher power and master their body, mind, and spirit. SOMA Breath aims to bring that same spiritual power back to our lives, free from the relationship to specific religions.